On Thursday, June 12, 2031.
Just two days shy of their eagerly royal wedding day, Silver and Anthony found themselves en route to the royal chapel of the King's Castle. Silver's personal chauffeur, Lyle, skillfully navigated the vehicle through the bustling streets. The vehicle smoothly glided through the main streets of the town in Cinderella's world as they headed to the King's Castle for their final wedding rehearsal. The entire town seemed to be in the throes of preparation, adorning itself in regal splendor for the upcoming royal wedding and the anticipated carriage procession that would follow the ceremony. The streets were adorned and set up with colorful flowers, garlands of triangular banners and even flowers were hung above them across, larger flags were hanging from the lampposts throughout the town, and cheerful streamers, all displaying for the upcoming occasion.
Temporary market stalls as well as shops had sprung up, offering a variety of trinkets, sweets, and souvenirs memorabilia related to the royal wedding. Locals and visitors alike browsed through the stalls, eager to take home a piece of the celebratory spirit. In the town square, a temporary stage was being set up for live broadcasts, allowing the citizens and visitors to witness the royal wedding together as some started to set up a tent on the ground. Large screens were strategically positioned, ensuring everyone had a clear view of the ceremony. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air as the town's bakeries worked tirelessly to create special treats for the occasion. Unique wedding-themed pastries, adorned with edible flowers and intricate designs, filled the display windows, tempting passersby with a taste of the festivities.
The shared home they had created together was left behind, and the road ahead symbolized the journey they were about to embark on as a soon-to-be-married couple. Silver and Anthony, hands intertwined, looked forward to reuniting with their family and wedding party for the final rehearsal. The couple settled into the plush seats of the luxurious car, Silver and Anthony exchanged glances filled with excitement and a touch of nervousness. The realization that their wedding day was rapidly fast approaching made the atmosphere in the car buzz with anticipation. They couldn't believe that in two days, they would be proclaimed as husbands after the ceremony was over.
The car turned a corner, revealing a stunning view of the castle up ahead. The town square was abuzz with activity as people bustled around, adding the final touches to the decorations.
"I never imagined our wedding would be such a grand affair," Silver admitted, his gaze on the town with the people getting ready for the royal occasion.
Anthony squeezed his hand. "Well, we're not just any couple. We're about to make history as the first royal gay couple to be wed in Cinderella's world. It's only fitting that our wedding is as enchanting as our love story."
Silver, glancing at Anthony with a smile, couldn't help but express his excitement. "Can you believe it, Anthony? We're just two days away from saying 'I do.'"
Anthony, his eyes gleaming with joy, chuckled in response. "It feels surreal. I can't wait to officially become your husband."
As the car glided through the streets, the pair then discussed the details of the upcoming rehearsal and the wedding shower that awaited them.
"Are you ready for the rehearsal?" Silver asked, his tone a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Anthony nodded, squeezing Silver's hand. "Absolutely. It'll be great to run through everything one last time before the big day. I want our wedding to be perfect for us and our families."
Silver nodded, he couldn't agree more. "And now, here we are, heading to our final wedding rehearsal. The one we have been rehearsing for since mid-February."
Anthony leaned in, their shoulders touching. "I'm so grateful we decided to take this journey together. Our wedding is going to be magical."
Silver squeezed Anthony's hand, a warmth spreading between them. "Absolutely. And you know, today is not just about the rehearsal. We also have our wedding shower that my parents are hosting together afterward. Ready to be showered with love?"
Anthony laughed, a genuine sound that echoed through the car. "More than ready."
The two leaned in and shared a kiss.
Finally, the car approached the grand entrance of the King's Castle, Silver and Anthony couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. This was the place where their love story would take a significant step forward in just a matter of days.
Lyle expertly navigated the vehicle through the castle grounds, pulling up to the entrance where the couple could see Prudence waiting for them at the landing of the entrance stairs leading up to the chapel.
"Here we are," Lyle announced, the car coming to a graceful stop.
Silver and Anthony exchanged one last glance before stepping out of the car, greeted by the smiling face of Prudence as they are dressed in their stylish stores.
Silver wore a solid white sports tuck-in shirt that comes in a great cotton-blend fabric that won't lose its shape. With a classic collar, short sleeve, and six white buttons going down on the front. On the bottom, a sculptural tan color pair of chino pants in slim-fit style with light brown leather belt with silver buckle wrap through the belt loops of his pants. The pair of dress shoes to slacks with their synthetic leather uppers, detailed stitching, and modern, moc-toe design. These loafers also feature an ultra-cushioned footbed and shock-absorbing, lightweight outsoles. His black curls have been styled into a deep side part from his left to right and brushed-out curls.
As for Anthony, he is dressed in this beige blazer unbuttoned woven jacket featuring peak lapels, one-button at front, chest pocket, welt front pockets with flap, and two inner pockets, and long sleeves with decorative three buttons at the cuffs. Over this jacket is a bright white tucked dress shirt with three unbuttons open on top to reveal his chests. He wears a matching pair of trousers that's held up by a brown leather belt and an side pockets and welt back pockets with buttons. On his left wrist is a watch featuring a light brown leather strap with a cream dial and a pair of brown leather cap-toe Oxford shoes.
"Welcome, your Royal Highness, and Captain," Prudence greeted, giving a small curtsy. "It's a pleasure to have you here for the final rehearsal." She gestured toward the chapel's entrance. "Everyone is already inside, going through the final run-through. Let's head in, and we'll make sure everything is perfect for the big day."
Silver grinned, appreciating Prudence's words. "Thank you, Prudence. We're excited to see everyone and go through the final details of the wedding."
Anthony nodded. "It's hard to believe our wedding is just around the corner, with just two days left."
Prudence gestured for them to follow her into the chapel. "Come, let's make sure everything is perfect for the big day."
Silver and Anthony, their hands still intertwined, followed Prudence into the royal chapel, Silver gazed up at the main entrance of the Royal Chapel and a rush of emotions overwhelmed him began to run through. The grandeur of the chapel and the significance of the moment made his heart beat faster. This majestic setting was where he would exchange vows with Anthony and declare their love in front of their families and the entire world.
Silver whispered to Anthony, "It's amazing, isn't it? This is where we'll become husbands."
Anthony, equally captivated, nodded with a smile. "I can't believe it's happening here. Our own royal fairy tale."
The entrance doors opened, revealing the inside of the chapel's interior. The soft glow of the chandeliers illuminated the aisle leading up to the altar where they would stand as they exchanged their vows and the stained glass windows shine through with the reflection on the carpet of the aisle.
Inside the chapel, Roberto and Paula, Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian, along with their other children stood near the entrance, exchanging smiles and warm glances. The wedding party, consisting of the Disney Princesses, and others, are ready for their roles in the upcoming final rehearsal.
Once Silver and Anthony entered the chapel, a collective hush swept through the room. The couple took in the breathtaking sight of the decorated chapel and the assembled guests. Their eyes met the proud gazes of their parents, and they felt an overwhelming surge of love and support.
The Disney Princesses, beamed at Silver, and the flower girls, pageboys, and their best man, Prince Charming, all stood ready. Princesses from various Disney tales, including Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Anna, Elsa, Moana, Elena, Raya, Mirabel, and Asha, stood proudly as Silver's groomsmaids.
Flower girls that Silver has chosen are Alice, Wendy Darling, Princess Isabel of Avalor, Princess Sofia, and Princess Amber of Enchancia, along with Bluey and Bingo and Mei Lee. The pageboys — Prince James of Enchancia, Antonio Madrigal, John and Michael Darling, Lucas Paguro, and Alberto Scorfano — were off to the side of the entrance as they chatted with each other. All of these little ones are the children that Silver has babysit them back then.
Cinderella stepped forward as Silver's matron of honor. "Silver, my dearest friend, you look absolutely beautiful today. I'm honored to stand by your side on this special day."
Silver, touched by Cinderella's words, smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Cinderella. Your presence means the world to us."
Cinderella patted his hand reassuringly. "Take a deep breath. Everything will be perfect."
Anthony's best man, Prince Charming, extended a hand to Anthony. "Anthony, my friend, you're about to embark on a beautiful journey. I'm honored to be part of this joyous occasion."
Anthony shook Prince Charming's hand. "Thank you for being here. It means a lot to both of us."
The flower girls and pageboys, as well as the rest of the bridal party, radiated excitement and readiness for their roles.
Paula, Duchess Vivian, Roberto, and Duke Edward approached Silver and Anthony, enveloping them in a group hug. "Oh boys, the day we've all been waiting for is almost here," Paula said with an squeal of excitement
Duchess Vivian added, "You both look splendid. This chapel will witness a love story that will be talked about for generations."
Roberto, patting Silver's back proudly, chimed in, "It's a joy to see you both so happy and ready for this step."
Duke Edward shook Anthony's hand warmly. "Your journey together is about to take a beautiful turn. We're all here to support and celebrate with you."
Duchess Vivian, turning to Paula, whispered, "Our boys are about to have a fairy-tale wedding."
Paula nodded, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "It feels like just yesterday they were babies in our arms. Now, they're getting married in a royal chapel."
Prudence gathered everyone's attention by clapping her hands. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to ensure that every detail is perfected for the royal wedding. Now, if everyone could take your positions, we shall begin with the rehearsal."
Later at the moment, the wedding rehearsal can begin.
Anthony stood at the altar with the Prince standing behind him and the officiant stood in the center where Silver and Anthony will exchange their vows and say their "I do."
In front of Silver and his parents are his groomsmaids. Cinderella who stood on the left side (between Paula and Silver) and behind her are Aurora, Belle, Pocahontas, Tiana, Merida, Elena, and Elsa, Raya. Snow White stood on the opposite side (between Silver and Roberto) with her group: Ariel, Jasmine, Mulan, Rapunzel, Moana, Anna, Mirabel, and Asha behind her.
Behind the princesses are Ethan and Gregory (Adam and Melanie's son) stood between the princesses and Silver and his parents. Ethan stood between Paula and Silver while Gregory stood between Silver and Roberto, both boys carried a small white pillow in their hand.
Silver, now wearing the rehearsal wedding veil and holding the faux bouquet in his hands, he took a deep breath with the weight of the moment hitting him as he stood between his parents, ready to embark on the rehearsal walk that would soon become his memorable journey down the aisle.
Behind the trio are Antonio Madrigal and Michael Darling, both holding the bottom of the rehearsal wedding veil while behind them are Bluey and Bingo (who stood beside each other with Bluey on Silver's left and Bingo on Silver's right). Behind them are Luca (behind Bluey) and Alberto (behind Bingo), behind the two are Sofia (standing behind Luca) and Amber (behind Alberto) Mei Lee (in the middle between Sofia (on her left) and Amber(on her right). Behind the three girls are Alice (on the left between Sofia and Mei Lee) and Wendy (on the right between Mei Lee and Amber).
Once the music played for the ladies, The Disney Princesses, led by Cinderella and Snow White, slowly made their way down the aisle. Cinderella stood at the altar with her group on Silver's left, facing Snow White's group on the opposite side.
[Song: Happily Ever After - Jem and the Holograms. Most of the lyrics have been changed.]
Paula, on Silver's left, smiled reassuringly. "Are you ready, my love?"
Silver nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I'm ready, Mama."
Roberto, on Silver's right, patted his son's back gently. "You've got this, hijo. We're with you every step of the way."
Now, it was Silver's turn. The music swelled, and he began his walk down the aisle with his parents by his side. Paula beamed with pride as she held Silver's left hand, and Roberto, having his hands loop around Silver's right arm, walked alongside them.
Cinderella:
It's a long walk down the aisle
To a life filled with laughter
With each step, Silver felt the weight of the moment, realizing that this would be the path he'd walk in just two days to unite his life with Anthony's.
Snow White:
A long walk down the aisle
To a happy ever after
In one vivid scene, he envisioned Anthony carrying him in bridal style as both donned their wedding attires, the "Just Married" sign adorning the carriage that whisked them away to their honeymoon as Silver threw his bouquet from behind the carriage as it drove off.
Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora:
It's a long walk down the aisle
To those long years together
Silver's imagination shifted to a scene where Silver and Anthony looked down upon a baby bassinet, their faces lit up with joy as they envisioned a future filled with family. Anthony stood proudly behind Silver as he sat in a chair, gazing at their little one who slept peacefully inside. It was a vision of their shared dreams and the family they hoped to build together.
Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan:
Alongwalkdown the aisle
Toa lifetime offorever
Silver finally reached the altar, he exchanged a knowing and excited glance with Anthony before he gave the bouquet to Cinderella and joined hands with Anthony.
Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida:
Two little words softly spoken
Starts your life anew
Silver envisioned himself and Anthony running down the steps of the Royal Chapel after the ceremony, surrounded by their friends and family who all threw white rice in celebration of their official union from behind.
Anna and Elsa, Moana:
It's a long walk down the aisle
'Till you have to say "I do"
Returning to the present, Silver and Anthony faced each other during the rehearsal. As the officiant practiced his lines, Silver, lost in the moment, smiled as the officiant finished his lines and he said the words "I Do," affirming his commitment to Anthony.
Elena, Raya, Mirabel, Asha:
It's a long walk down the aisle
To a life filled with laughter
In a flashback, Silver revisited the very beginning of their story on how they first met. Dressed in Rococo costumes, they met at the Draventon 270th anniversary ball. Silver, disguised as Lady Golden, and Anthony, unaware of Silver's true identity, shared a moment in the garden that would eventually blossom into a beautiful love story.
All:
A long walk down the aisle
The daydreams culminated in a vision of Silver and Anthony leaning in for a kiss. Suddenly, their rehearsal attire transformed into the elegant wedding garments they would wear on their special day.
All:
To a happy ever after
With the ceremony rehearsal complete, Silver and Anthony walked down the aisle, with Silver having his left hand on Anthony's right arm elbow pit. Following closely behind them were their flower girls and pageboys, behind the children Cinderella, with her arm linked with Prince Charming's, led the procession of groomsmaids who followed them from behind down the aisle.
The wedding party followed suit, with family members, including Duchess Vivian and Duke Edward, who walked down the aisle together behind them, followed by Paula and Roberto, and their children, accompanying them down the aisle.
With the final rehearsal complete, Silver and Anthony exited the royal chapel. The steps of the chapel provided the perfect stage for the couple to pause at the entrance and take in the significance of the journey they were about to embark on. After a minutes of pausing, Silver and Anthony descended down the steps, after about twenty steps they found themselves standing in the middle of the landing.
Paula, Roberto, Duchess Vivian, and Duke Edward stood five steps behind their sons along with their children. The Disney Princesses, groomsmaids, flower girls, pageboys, and the rest of the wedding party formed a semi-circle around the couple. Cinderella and the Prince stood on Silver's side along with Cinderella's group behind them and half of the flower girls and pageboys standing in line beside Silver, and Snow White and her group stood on the opposite.
Prudence stepped forward, her small book in hand. "Your Royal Highness and Captain. The rehearsal was a success, and everyone was well-prepared. Everything went perfect for the big day. If you have any final adjustments or requests, now is the time."
"Everything is perfect," Silver affirmed with a head nod. "Thank you, Prudence, for everything. We appreciate all your help for the past few months in making this moment special."
Anthony added, "It's incredible to see everything come together. We can't wait for the real thing."
With the wedding rehearsal completely finished and concluded, Silver and Anthony prepared to transition to the next celebratory event after the rehearsal — their wedding shower, hosted by Silver's parents.
The wedding shower is held at the exact same location where Anthony proposes to Silver, the gazebo. The gazebo area has completely transformed into this simple wedding shower with nothing too elaborate or too much, just simple. Unlike the engagement party where Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian had hosted back in November, about 150 people (all of them who the soon-to-be couple had known) had attended this small private event.
With Gigi's magic, she has the cypress tree removed so the tables can be placed. 20 round tables, covered in white tablecloth and light champagne runner, are lined up and arranged beside the pathway with five tables on one side and five on the other, each adorned with five gold chiavari chairs with an sash tied to the side with an angel side bow and delicate floral centerpieces of white roses mixed with white delphinium and green hypericum. Situated in a clear glass vase. Place settings include simple elegant gold metal plastic plates and matching goldenware, flute glass cup, and delicate golden napkins.
The gazebo itself is left with nothing to decorate but inside has an sweetheart table decorated in the same as the other tables with two gold chiavari chairs with an sash tied to the side and the same flowers use from other tables, place settings include simple elegant gold metal plastic plates and matching goldenware, flute glass cup, and delicate golden napkins.
When you stand at the entrance, a buffet table is positioned to your left side, offering a delightful spread of gourmet delights. This includes a line of six charcuterie boards with an array of two large trays of meat, choice of carne asada, al pastor and chicken. Two large trays of rice, two large trays of refried beans, ten dozen tortillas, two large trays of chips, two 32oz. Containers of salsa, one 32oz, and each of guacamole and onions, cilantro, radishes and limes.
On the opposite side, there is a dessert table laden with decadent treats like chocolate cupcake topped with a variety of fruits, cake pops of white and soft champagne covered in sprinkles, Strawberries dipped in white chocolate confection with milk chocolate drizzle, other strawberries dipped in milk chocolate confection with white drizzle, and the others dipped in milk chocolate confection with milk chocolaty drizzle. Sugar cookies are cut into a shape of a heart that is decorated in white and other in soft champagne with the curve writing that reads "S x A" on the upper part and the bottom that read "06/12/2031" and a circle that is decorated like a wreath of flowers. All these dessert treats were aside to make room of the crowing centerpiece of the dessert table: a cake.
In the center display of two single-tiered cakes, along with one two-tiered cake, each cake made of tres leches and each cake displayed on a classical white column stand. The two tiered cake was placed on the 13.5 in six columns stands and positioned in the back with the first single-tiered cake placed on the 11 inch columns stand on the right in the front with another single-tiered cake placed on the table on the left. Each cake that made up the display had a beautiful stark white exterior of elderflower Swiss meringue buttercream, with a white piping pattern design that resembles the Mexican talavera. Then, the cakes were adorned with plenty of fresh blooms and green foliage of white roses and peonies flower. On top of each three cakes, are three toppers, the two are from Silver and Anthoyn's parents and one for Silver and Anthony.
On the lower cake, sat on top of it was an elegant white ceramic two bird snuggling with one resting its head on top of the other from Paula and Roberto's wedding back in 2001. The second cake includes the figures of the groom having his right arm out as the redhead bride's dress is an off white color and her bouquet has white roses in her right hand and her left hand on her groom's arm. Her veil is white with small pearls along the top edge. The figures, from Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian's 1996 wedding, stood in front of a plastic gothic style church window with two wedding bells that have a silk ribbon on top and two sprigs of paper flowers and pearl beads were placed beside the couple. Lastly, Silver and Anthony's own topper, which will be used for their wedding cake, is a combination of both of their parents' wedding topper. For starters, It features two letters, "A" on the left and "S" on the right, each standing for Anthony and Silver, their first name initials. The letters are framed by a heart shaped wreath arch featuring artificial flowers and roses. They are standing on a cardboard heart shaped base which is accented with wedding bells above them tied with an white silk ribbon and two birds above and behind the ribbon.
Silver and Anthony stepped into the transformed gazebo area in the King's Castle garden, their eyes widening at the sight that greeted them. The simple yet elegant setup left them speechless.
Silver, his hand clutching Anthony's, turned to take in the scene. "Anthony, look at this. It's... amazing."
Anthony's eyes scanned the area, a wide smile spreading across his face. "It's beautiful. I never expected something so stunning."
The sight of the buffet table filled with gourmet delights drew a delighted gasp from Silver. "Oh the food looks so good. And the desserts table... oh wow!"
Their gaze shifted to the centerpiece of the dessert table – the beautifully decorated cakes. Anthony chuckled in amazement, his eyes lingered on the toppers atop the cakes, recognizing the significance behind each one. "They really went all out with the cakes. They're magnificent."
Silver nodded as he smile. "I love how each cake topper represents something meaningful from our parents' weddings and our own story."
The trio of cakes, each adorned with unique toppers, caught their attention. Silver's eyes lit up as he spotted the cake topper that combined elements from their parents' weddings.
"Our topper looks wonderful," Anthony said, gazing at the combined initials and intricate design of their own cake topper. "It's a beautiful blend of our parents' toppers." He turned to look at Silver's face. "You did an amazing job making our own wedding topper."
Silver smile on his face. "Thank you Anthony. I love how it symbolizes the union of our families."
As they continued to explore the setup, they spotted the sweetheart table and its charming setup.
"The sweetheart table looks lovely," Anthony observed, gesturing toward the table adorned with flowers and elegant settings.
Silver glanced at Anthony with a warm smile. "That's where we'll sit together. It looks so romantic, doesn't it?"
Anthony nodded in agreement. "Very much so. I can't wait to celebrate our love here."
The couple took a moment to soak in the ambiance, appreciating the care and thoughtfulness that went into every detail of their wedding shower.
"I can't believe how close our wedding day is," Silver said, turning to Anthony with excitement in his voice.
Anthony grinned. "Two more days, and we'll officially be married. Can you believe it, can you?"
Silver squeezed Anthony's hand, his eyes reflecting the joy in his heart. "It's a dream come true, and it's all happening right here."
They walked back towards their parents, ready to start the celebration of their impending marriage. Silver's parents approached, smiling proudly at their son and their soon-to-be son-in-law reactions to the setup. Paula stepped forward, her eyes shimmering with happiness. "We wanted this celebration to be special, just like both of you. The gazebo looks so magical, doesn't it?"
Duchess Vivian nodded in agreement. "Absolutely stunning! The arrangement, the colors, it all ties in beautifully."
Roberto beamed at the sight. "You both deserve the very best. This is just a glimpse of the joyous days to come."
Duke Edward added, "The love and effort put into this celebration are palpable. It's a true reflection of your love."
Silver looked around at the charming setup with a smile on his face, feeling a rush of excitement for the impending celebration. He turned to Anthony, with a smile he said. "Shall we get started on the wedding shower?"
Just as Silver was about to take the first step towards the beautifully arranged tables, Paula approached him with a knowing smile. "Now espera Silver. There's something else missing on you."
Silver glanced down at himself, then up to his mother inquisitively. He felt perfectly fine in his attire, but Paula's expression hinted at something specific. "What could be missing? Everything seems alright."
Realization dawned on Paula's face. "Ay no, not in the attire I'm talking about. It's about your overall look for the occasion."
Before Silver could fully understand, Paula reached out, pulling something delicate and exquisite from her handbag—a flower crown adorned with beautiful blooms of white roses and leaves. "Here, this is for you, Silver."
Paula carefully placed the flower crown on Silver's head, adjusting it slightly to sit perfectly amidst his black curls. "Here we go, hijo," she said, "now you're ready for the shower."
Silver laughs lightly, feeling a bit more complete with the flower crown. "Thank you, Mama. I feel like everything's in its right place now."
Anthony steps closer, a look of admiration in his eyes. "You look stunning, Silver. That flower crown suits you perfectly."
Silver blushes at Anthony's compliment, confident and excited is in him as they prepare to kick off the celebration.
Soon, the guests that were invited began to arrive and the wedding shower can now officially begin.
Amidst the joyousness of the wedding shower, Silver's parents, Paula and Roberto, and Anthony's parents, Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian, found a moment to steal away from the celebratory crowd as they all decided to take a stroll around the nearby lake that's not that far from the event. As they walked together, they exchanged warm smiles that carried the weight of pride and nostalgia.
"I can't believe that our boys are going to be married soon." Paula murmured, her eyes shimmering with emotions. "I can still remember the days when Roberto and I read Silver his bedtime story of the handsome knight rescuing a princess from the dragon."
Duchess Vivian nodded, her voice filled with a mix of pride and sentiment. "Time really does fly. It feels like just yesterday when Anthony was learning how to use his toy store on how to be a knight in his room surrounded by his toy and our old dog as his dragon."
Roberto sighed softly, his gaze drifting to the center of the garden where Silver and Anthony mingled with friends. "They've grown into remarkable young men. Seeing them here, celebrating their upcoming marriage, it's overwhelming."
Duke Edward placed a comforting hand on Roberto's shoulder, a nostalgic smile gracing his lips. "We've witnessed them grow since they were babies, seen them face challenges, and now, they're on the verge of starting a new chapter together."
Paula glanced at her son from the distance, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Silver has always been romantic at heart. Seeing him find Anthony and build this beautiful relationship, it's something truly special."
Duchess Vivian's eyes shimmered with emotion. "Anthony's always been so dedicated and determined. To see him so genuinely happy with Silver brings us immeasurable joy."
Roberto placed a hand on Paula's back, his expression reflecting their shared emotions. "Their bond is something we always hoped for them. They've found love and support in each other, and that's a testament to their strength."
They shared stories and reminisced about their sons' childhoods, a sense of unity and shared emotions enveloped the group. They marveled at how quickly time had passed, leading their sons to this monumental moment.
Roberto chuckled fondly. "I remember when Silver was just a little boy, always fascinated by Cinderella. He used to watch that movie over and over again, memorizing every detail and every song they sang."
She then reminisced about the time they took him to Magic Kingdom. "When Silver was seven years old, we took him to Disney World once, oh the joy on his face was priceless when he first met Cinderella for the first time. Yet, we never knew that one day, Silver would eventually befriend the Princesses and become the Radiant Boy-Princess."
Duchess Vivian laughed softly. "Our Anthony, on the other hand, was all about knights and heroes. He'd fashion makeshift swords out of anything he could find and declare himself a knight on a quest to save the kingdom."
Duke Edward chuckled as he recalled a moment from Anthony's childhood. "He was always fascinated by knights. I remember him running around the Estate with a toy sword, pretending to save damsels in distress."
Duchess Vivian added with a smile, "He wanted to be a knight from a storybook, always dreaming of adventures and doing heroic deeds."
The four parents exchanged glances filled with shared memories and unspoken pride. Each moment they remembered felt like a treasure, a bond their families had shared over the years.
"I couldn't be prouder," Duke Edward said it with genuine admiration. "Our sons are about to embark on a beautiful journey together. They've made us proud in every way possible."
"Their love and commitment are just like us," Paula added, wiping a stray tear from her eye. "Seeing them so happy, planning their future—it's all any parent could wish for."
Roberto nodded in agreement, a hint of emotion in his voice. "They've found their happiness in each other. And to witness this celebration, it's beyond what I ever imagined for Silver."
Amidst the laughter, shared memories, and emotional reflections, the four parents stood together, basking in the joy of their sons' imminent union. They knew this was just the beginning of a beautiful journey for both Silver and Anthony, and their families were ready to support and cherish every moment of it.
The parents paused their leisurely stroll around the serene lake, their gazes fixated on the scene of the wedding shower unfolding in the distance. Laughter and music wafted over the gentle breeze, carrying the essence of joy and celebration to where they stood.
Paula, her eyes filled with emotion, broke the silence. "Look at them. They seem so at ease, so happy."
Roberto nodded, a proud smile gracing his lips as he watched Silver and Anthony, surrounded by friends and family, enjoying the party. "They're glowing. Just like is Paula love."
Duchess Vivian sighed softly, her eyes never leaving her son. "It's like a fairytale unfolding before our eyes, seeing them embrace this moment with such grace and joy."
Duke Edward nodded, his gaze filled with admiration. "They've created something beautiful together, something that fills us all with immense pride."
The parents stood in silent unity, basking in the sight of their sons reveling in the love that had brought them together. As they continued to watch from a distance, each passing moment seemed to cement the certainty that Silver and Anthony were meant to share their lives in this profound way.
"I hope they always keep this joy," Paula murmured. "Their happiness means everything to us."
Duchess Vivian squeezed Duke Edward's hand gently. "They've found their happiness in each other, and that's a treasure beyond measure."
With a collective sense of contentment and pride, they lingered a little longer, soaking in the atmosphere of love and celebration that surrounded the wedding shower. It was a moment etched in their hearts—a moment that spoke volumes of the journey that had led their sons to this beautiful day and the promising future that lay ahead for the newlyweds.
Paula and Duchess Vivian stood next to each other together, watching their sons revel in the joy of the moment, a pang of nostalgia swept over them, threading through the pride and happiness they felt.
Paula glanced at Silver, her heart full of love and memories. "I miss those bedtime stories, reading about adventures, knights, and princesses. There was a time when Silver would choose a storybook every night, eager for our magical journeys in those pages."
Duchess Vivian sighed softly, her eyes shimmering with a hint of longing. "I know what you mean. I miss hearing Anthony's imaginative tales, the clashing of swords, and his joyous laughter echoing through the house as he played the valiant knight. It's those little things that stay with us, isn't it?"
Paula nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Those bedtime stories were a part of our routine, a time of bonding and sharing. As they grew older, our roles shifted, and they needed us differently." She smiled, as a wistful tone can be heard in her voice. "They stopped asking for those stories, and started seeking their own adventures. It's a bittersweet feeling — seeing them grow and become independent while cherishing the moments when they were so little and innocent."
"Sometimes I wonder," Duchess Vivuan admitted, her gaze fixed on Anthony. "Did we stop seeing them as our little boys too soon? We were always so focused on guiding them into adulthood and preparing for what they need once they are ready to leave the nest, that we might have missed those fleeting moments when they were still our little boys."
Paula placed a comforting hand on Duchess Vivian's arm. "It's the natural course of things, isn't it? We nurture them, teach them, and then, they begin their own journeys. But that doesn't mean we can't miss those innocent times."
Duchess Vivian smiled through her emotions. "Oh yes. They'll always be our sons, no matter how old they get. The playtime might have faded, but the memories are etched in our hearts forever."
Paula nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. "Our roles have evolved, but our love for them remains unchanged. And seeing them here, so happy, it's a testament to the strong, confident young men they've become."
As they watched their sons enjoying the celebration, a sense of acceptance and pride washed over Paula and Duchess Vivian. They may have missed the days of bedtime stories and playful knightly adventures, but the joy of witnessing their sons' happiness in this new chapter of their lives filled their hearts with warmth and contentment.
Roberto and Duke Edward exchanged a knowing glance as Paula and Duchess Vivian shared their wistful sentiments about missing those precious moments from their sons' childhoods. They understood the significance of those memories and felt the pull of nostalgia themselves.
While the evening sun cast a golden hue over the surrounding landscape, Roberto leaned on Duke Edward. "Edward, I think I've got an idea."
Duke Edward nodded, intrigued. "Go on, Roberto. What are you thinking?"
"I believe our sons might not ask for those bedtime stories or play the roles of knights and heroes anymore," Roberto began, "but perhaps, before they step into this new chapter of their lives, they deserve one last tribute — a reminder of where they came from, a moment they'd treasure."
Duke Edward smiled, catching onto Roberto's notion. "You mean... a surprise?"
Roberto nodded. "Exactly. Why don't we, the parents, give them one last memory, one last bedtime story that they've cherished all these years? A little nod to their childhood before they step into this new, grown-up adventure together."
Duke Edward's smile widened. "I love the idea. It's a beautiful way to honor their journey, to let them know that we cherish those innocent times, and still see them as our little boys at heart."
Roberto glanced over at Paula and Duchess Vivian, who were watching their sons with loving gazes. "They might not ask for it anymore, but I'm sure they'd appreciate this surprise, this final ode to their childhoods."
Duke Edward agreed. "Let's do it. It'll be a gift—a moment of nostalgia and love—before they start their own fairy tale."
With a shared sense of determination, Roberto and Duke Edward began to plan this unexpected surprise for their sons, a heartfelt gesture to rekindle the memories of bedtime stories and playful adventures before Silver and Anthony embarked on the most significant journey of their lives—marrying each other.
Silver meandered through the jubilant crowd, exchanging pleasantries and laughter with the guests who all came to the shower. Amidst the cheerful chatter, he caught wind of Logan's booming voice enthusiastically pitching an idea for Anthony's bachelor party.
"There's no place better for a bachelor bash than the Snuggly Duckling! Trust me, it'll be epic!" Logan exclaimed.
Anthony merely rolled his eyes, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Logan, you know that's not really my scene. Besides, Bachelor party doesn't exactly spark my interest."
Silver couldn't help but chuckle at Logan's persistent enthusiasm and Anthony's amused yet resigned expression. He strolled over to join the conversation, intrigued by Logan's boisterous proposal.
"What's this I hear about having a bachelor party at the Snuggly Duckling?" Silver interjected, a playful grin adorning his face as he joined the discussion as he took Anthony's right hand.
Logan's eyes lit up at Silver's arrival to further pitch his idea. "Silver, my man! I've been trying to convince Anthony here that we need an epic bachelor party, you know, the one I had when my older brother Leon threw me before I married Destiny? And what better place than the Snuggly Duckling? It's legendary!" He nudged Anthony, "but your man doesn't seem to appreciate the finer things in life!"
Anthony chuckled, shaking his head. "It's not that, Silver. But your friend thinks that I deserve to have my bachelor party and it needs to be like a scene out of an action movie flick."
But Logan was undeterred. "Come on, it'll be legendary! It will be the best Bachelor Party ever! We could have games, challenges, and drinks—all in the most hilariously epic setting! Trust me! My bachelor party was so cool! You were there too, remember."
Silver chuckled, knowing that Logan's ideas often led to unforgettable, if sometimes chaotic, experiences. "Logan, the last time you had a bachelor party, you ended up wanting to try out the Tuki-aonae Kai, the fire dance…… which you almost ended up burning your hair."
Logan grinned, clearly proud of that particular event. "Exactly! And wasn't that a blast?"
Anthony raised an eyebrow, trying to hide a smirk. "It was something, that's for sure."
"I promise, this one will be even better!" Logan persisted, excitement practically radiating off him.
Silver glanced at Anthony, silently egging him on to entertain the idea, knowing how much fun Logan's parties could be, albeit in their own unpredictable way.
"Oooh alright, alright," Anthony relented with a chuckle. "Let's have a bachelor party tomorrow."
Logan couldn't contain his excitement as Anthony finally relented to the idea of the bachelor party. Clapping his hands together with sheer enthusiasm, Logan assured Anthony, "You won't regret this, Anthony! Tomorrow's going to be awesome!"
Anthony chuckled, shooting a playful glare at Silver, who grinned in response, fully aware of the whirlwind Logan's events tended to be. "You owe me for this," Anthony teased, nudging Silver gently.
"Don't worry, Anthony, it'll be a night to remember," Silver replied, wrapping an arm around Anthony's waist.
However, Silver was quick to add a note of caution, his expression turning slightly more serious. "But seriously, guys, let's not overdo it and don't stay up too late. The wedding is the day after, and I don't want Anthony to be worn out or have a headache during our big day."
Logan nodded eagerly, already buzzing with plans for the upcoming celebration. "Don't worry, Silver! I'll make sure everyone's, including your soon-to-be husband, in top shape for the wedding. We won't go too wild—just enough to have some fun for us guys!"
Silver chuckled, trusting Logan's intentions but still wary of the potential chaos his friend's parties could bring. "Just remember, Anthony needs his beauty sleep," Silver teased, earning a playful eye-roll from Anthony.
Logan dashed off to round up the other guys, bursting with excitement to plan the upcoming bachelor party. As he rallied the troops, Silver and Anthony shared a knowing look, anticipating an adventurous yet potentially unpredictable evening ahead.
As the preparations for the bachelor party began to unfold, Silver couldn't help but hope that Anthony would enjoy the night of manly and fun without it turning into a scene straight out of one of Logan's infamous legendary events.
On Friday, June 13th, 2031.
On the eve of the royal wedding, Silver found himself in the suite with his dog Buster sleeping on his bed, preparing for bed. Earlier in the day, as per tradition and superstition, the Disney Princesses had made sure that Silver didn't catch a glimpse of Anthony before the wedding, as it was believed to bring bad luck for the couple to see each other before the big day. Thus, Silver was careful to avoid seeing Anthony, even as his fiancé headed off to the bachelor party arranged by Logan.
Currently, Silver was seated in front of the vanity, having his hair brushed by Tiffany while Urban fluffed up the bed pillows. As Silver prepared for bed, the buzz of excitement about the imminent wedding couldn't be contained. Yet, amidst the joy, a sliver of nervousness crept in, manifesting in fidgeting hands and a subtle twinge in his expression. "It's hard to believe it's almost here, Tiffany. Tomorrow, the wedding. It's a bit nerve-wracking, don't you think? I mean, with all the planning Anthony and I have done, it's going to be fantastic once the big day has finally arrived!"
Tiffany met his gaze through the reflection of the vanity mirror, a warm smile adorning her face. She paused for a moment, her brushing slowing down as she considered his words. "You know, Silver," Tiffany began, her tone feigning seriousness, "if you ever feel like it's too much, you can always... hmmm I don't know, run."
Silver's eyes widened, caught off guard by the unexpected advice. "Wh-What do you mean, run?"
"Yeah, you could… just run," Tiffany stated, her voice now deadpan serious.
Silver's eyes widened in shock. "Run? Are you serious?"
"I mean, imagine being stuck with someone who's perpetually drenched in sweat from work, probably forgets to take a shower. Your love story would go from fairy tale romance to horror story in a few years flat, right? Anthony will probably stop loving you and giving you the affection you deserve throughout your entire marriage. Look what happened to that one royal couple who got married in July 1981. They went from "Aww" to "booommm"! I mean, if you want that to happen to you then be my guest."
Silver's jaw nearly hit the floor, stunned by Tiffany's sudden earnestness. For a moment, Silver was struck speechless, unsure whether to take Tiffany's words seriously. And then, as if breaking character, Tiffany couldn't contain herself any longer, bursting into peals of laughter. "Kidding! Just kidding! Seriously, Anthony's fantastic, and you're the luckiest guy to have him as your soon-to-be husband. Don't take my crazy thoughts seriously; I really don't want to be the reason behind a runaway scenario."
Suddenly, a sudden knock interrupted the calm ambiance of the suite causing the three, and Buster to pause and freeze and jump. Buster stood up and began barking, Tiffany immediately swiftly moved into action, positioning a 6-panel folding screen to shield Silver from view, ensuring that Anthony wouldn't accidentally see him before the wedding.
Urban, half in jest and half in earnest, moved swiftly to the door, prepared for a dramatic pillow smacking if it turned out to be Anthony trying to breach the pre-wedding tradition of not seeing each other before the big day tomorrow.
"Who's there?" Urban called out, ready for anything — or anyone, except Anthony.
The door creaked open, revealing Silver's parents, Paula and Roberto, standing outside.
Urban blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, it's you two! Uh, please don't mind the pillow I'm holding, I thought it was someone else... um, welcome!" he exclaimed, trying to regain composure after the near-potential pillow smack. Tiffany let out a sigh of relief as she pushed the folding scene back into place.
Silver blinked in surprise, utterly caught off guard by his parents' unexpected visit to his suite. "Mama? Pap? What are you doing here?" he asked, unable to hide the astonishment in his voice.
Paula looked at Roberto with a nostalgic gleam in her eye before she is seen to be holding something behind her back. " Silver, do you remember when you were little, how we used to read you bedtime stories about the knight rescuing the princess from the dragon?"
Silver nodded, a smile tugging at his lips but confused about that. "Yes, yes, I remember that story you used to read to me as a kid. Why do you ask?"
Paula and Roberto exchanged a glance filled with shared memories before Roberto explained, "Well, since tomorrow is your big day, your wedding day," Paula pulled out a book from behind her back, "we thought we'd read you one last bedtime story before you take this significant step into the next chapter of your life."
Silver's heart swelled with warmth and surprise at his parents' unexpected gesture. The nostalgia of his childhood stories mixed with the emotional weight of the moment. "Oh Mama, Papa. I'd love that."
Urban and Tiffany, this was their unexpected cue to leave, then excuse themselves to let the family have a wonderful moment together and exit the suite.
Silver settled in bed with his parents sitting beside him with his dad on his left and his mother on his right, looking at the book he held in front of him. Once he was settled and pulled the blanket on his lap, Paula opened the book, and as the words of the timeless fairy tale filled the room.
"Once upon a time…."
Meanwhile, Anthony arrived back at the King's Castle with Cinderella's Prince from the bachelor party that Logan had organized. True to Logan's promise, Anthony was in top shape despite the night of revelry. As the two reached Anthony's doors, leading to his suite, Duchess Vivian and Duke Edward stood there, waiting at the entrance.
Anthony was taken aback, surprised to see them at this hour. "Mother, Father, what are you both doing here?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I will leave you be," The Prince said before he left, leaving Anthony alone with his parents.
Duke Edward glanced at Duchess Vivian before glancing at their son. "Anthony, do you recall how you used to pretend to be a knight with a toy sword, scattering your toys around the room while our old dog played the part of the dragon?"
Anthony's face lit up in recognition. "Of course, I remember that!"
Duchess Vivian smiled warmly. "I remember how we walked in just then, and it took us back to those moments when you'd play as a young knight. It was quite a sight—your dedication to your imaginary quests."
Anthony chuckled, sharing in their reminiscent moment. "Those were fun times."
There was a certain emotion shared between the Duke and Duchess as they exchanged a meaningful glance. Duke Edward revealed the old toy sword he held in his hands from behind, a symbol of those cherished childhood days. "How about one last playtime before you embark on this new chapter son?"
Anthony's eyes widened in surprise and joy. "You mean... really?" His heart filled with a sudden rush of emotions, an unexpected flood of memories washing over him.
With a gleeful nod, Duke Edward handed Anthony the toy sword, a glimmer of mischief in his eye. "One last time, my boy."
Grinning ear to ear, Anthony accepted the sword, a wave of nostalgia and happiness overwhelming him. He took a playful stance, brandishing the sword like the valiant knight he had once pretended to be.
The three of them — Duke Edward, Duchess Vivian, and Anthony — found themselves transported back to an earlier, simpler time as they entered Anthony's suite.
"As the dragon roared and breathed fire, the handsome knight charged forward with his mighty sword held high. With his sword in hand, he heroically defeated the dragon, saving the beautiful princess from the tower and living happily ever after…"
"How handsome is the knight, Papa?" Silver leaning back against him, looking up at his face just like how he did back when he was little.
"Very handsome," Roberto replied with a smile, "but not as handsome as your old man, right?"
"But Papa, you're old!" Silver stated.
He laughed at him with a dramatic offensive gasp. "Old!? Ack! You are telling me, old!?" He moved his face closer to his son with only their forehead touching each other. "You dare call your old man old!? I'm not old, young man!" He growled, causing his son to giggle.
"No!" Silver smile. "They need to be tough. Like you!"
Roberto gave him a goofy grin. "You bet they do, but I'd have to warn you, it's not as easy as it seems." He flexed and kissed his biceps. "No one can be stronger like me!"
"Well, in any case, the prince isn't nearly as handsome as the princess is beautiful." His eyes lifted a little, to look towards his wife. She briefly looked up to meet her husband's gaze and give him a small smile.
Just like old times.
Paula's voice is soft and filled with nostalgia. "Silver, do you remember when you wanted your knight to be kind, compassionate, brave, and strong?"
Silver nodded with a gentle smile. "Yes, Mama, I do remember that."
She paused for a moment, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Well, darling, you have your knight now, just like in the book. He's kind, compassionate, brave, and strong. He's everything you've ever wished for in a knight."
Silver's smile widened, a warmth spreading in his chest. "Yes, I do. I have Anthony. My handsome knight in shining armor."
Roberto's gaze lingered on their son. "And just like in the book, they lived happily ever after."
A hint of melancholy touched his words as they realized this was the last time they'd ever read him a bedtime story. The weight of that finality hung in the air, a bittersweet reminder of the passing of time.
Roberto wrapped an arm around Silver, a sense of nostalgia threading through his voice. "Time really flies, doesn't it?"
Silver nodded, snuggling closer to his dad. "Yeah, it does, Papa. But I'm glad for every moment."
A wistful sigh escaped Paula's lips as she glanced down at the closed book in her lap. This moment, reading a bedtime story to her son, felt like the final verse in a beautiful melody — a melody that had played throughout Silver's childhood, now coming to a close.
She couldn't believe that this was the last time they would ever read him a bedtime story. Her heart felt heavy with the bittersweet realization that this chapter of reading bedtime stories to her son had reached its conclusion. The weight of the moment settled in, tugging at her emotions.
Roberto, catching the hint of melancholy in Paula's expression, wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer to him. His gaze met hers in a silent exchange of shared emotions, understanding the significance of this poignant moment.
Silver noticed the hint of sadness in his mama's eyes. Sensing her emotions, he stood up, moved closer to Paula. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm, heartfelt embrace. "Mama, thank you, for everything you and Papa have given me to prepare for this next chapter."
Paula blinked back happy tears, her voice slightly choked with emotion. "You'll always be our little boy, no matter what, Silver."
"I know, Mama," Silver replied, pressing a gentle kiss on her cheek. "And I'll always carry your stories and love with me."
Roberto placed a comforting hand on Paula's shoulder, sharing in the tender moment. "Our boy's all grown up, Paula. We've done well."
Paula smiled through her emotions, nodding as she wiped a tear from her eye. "Yes, we have, Roberto. We have."
Their hearts were filled with a mixture of joy and sadness, embracing the beauty of this moment, knowing that their son was stepping into a new chapter of his life, one filled with love and new adventures.
With a tender smile and a reassuring look at Silver, Paula tucked him in and kissed his forehead. "Goodnight, hijo. Sleep well. You got a big day tomorrow."
"Goodnight, Mama, Papa," Silver replied, snuggling under the covers.
Roberto kisses him on the forehead just like his wife has done. "Goodnight, Silver."
Paula and Roberto made their way towards the doors, ready to leave Silver to rest for the night. Roberto opened the door for his wife, a gesture that felt almost symbolic in the midst of the emotions swirling around them.
Just as they were about to step out, Silver's voice stopped them in their tracks.
"Oh and, Mama… Papa…"
They turned to see their son looking at them, but to their surprise, in that moment, in their eyes, they both saw a glimpse of the younger version of Silver they once knew—a little boy filled with love and innocence, someone they had tucked into bed.
"I love you," Silver spoke, the words carrying the weight of all the bedtime stories, hugs, and cherished moments they'd shared together over the years.
Tears welled up in Paula's eyes once more, and Roberto felt a lump form in his throat as they looked at their son, seeing in him not just the man he'd become but the child they'd held and nurtured. "We love you too, hijo," Paula managed to say, her voice quivering slightly with emotion.
Roberto's eyes fill up with happy tears as he added, "Always and forever."
With that heartfelt exchange, they stepped out, closing the door softly behind them. In that moment, they had witnessed the beauty of their son's journey, from a little boy enchanted by bedtime stories to the remarkable man he had become, ready to embark on a new chapter of his life as a married man. As they walked away toward their room, their minds filled with the memories of their son as a little boy, saying his goodnight with a warmth that transcended time, leaving them with a lingering feeling of love and gratitude.
Silver slowly drifted off to sleep as he laid his head against the soft pillows, dreaming of a handsome knight who would whisk him away to a magical kingdom where they would live happily ever after, together.
In Anthony's suite, Duke Edward began playing the role of an evil dragon to his son.
"Roar!" he yelled, flapping his arms like wings. "You'll never save the princess from me, young knight!"
Anthony laughed from ear to ear, excited to have his father join in on the adventure. He charged towards his Duke Edward, sword at the ready.
The two engaged in a mock battle, with Anthony slashing at his father's arms and legs, and Duke Edward roaring and swatting at his son with his make-believe dragon tail. Duchess Vivian watched on, amused by the father-son bonding moment just like when Anthony was young. Max, on the other hand, began playing as his noble steed.
In the end, Anthony emerged victorious, slaying the evil dragon and rescuing the princess. He let out a triumphant shout and puffed out his chest in pride.
Duke Edward let out a dramatic groan and collapsed onto his son's bed, pretending to be defeated. "Well done, my brave knight," he said, still playing along. "You have saved the day once again."
The Duchess couldn't help but laugh at them. "Well done, Sir Anthony. But I think it's time for bed now," she said, gesturing towards the clock on the wall. "Besides, you must get some rest before the big day tomorrow."
Anthony nodded, placing his toy sword on the nearby table and walked over to his bed, with Max following close behind. As Anthony climbed into bed, Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian began to tuck Anthony in for the night, pulling the covers up to his mid-upper body.
As Anthony settled comfortably under the covers, a thoughtful expression crossed his face. Looking up at his parents, he couldn't help but recall the dreams of his childhood — the aspirations that had guided his imagination back then.
"Remember when I used to ask you both if I could ever be a real knight?" He chuckled. "If I could be the bravest knight in all the land, protecting people from evil monsters and dragons?" Anthony's voice held a trace of nostalgia and wonder as he reflected on those youthful dreams.
Duchess Vivian's smile softened at the memories her son had brought forth. "Oh, darling, of course, we remember those times," she said warmly, sitting beside Anthont. "You were so determined and passionate about becoming a knight."
Duke Edward joined in, his voice filled with admiration. "You've come a long way since then, Anthony. From dreaming about becoming a knight to now being a Captain of the Disney Guard, protecting the kingdom and ensuring the safety of everyone. We couldn't be prouder of the remarkable man you've become."
Anthony's expression softened, a mix of nostalgia and gratitude evident on his face. "Thank you, Mama, Papa," he murmured, touched by their unwavering support throughout the years. "I'm grateful for everything you both have done for me."
Duchess Vivian gazed at her son, a bittersweet realization struck her—the poignant acknowledgment that this was the last time he would ever play knight. Memories flooded her mind, particularly the moments when she used to explain to Anthony the traditional role of knights, rescuing princesses from harm.
"Anthony, you know," Duchess Vivian began, her voice soft and nostalgic, "I used to tell you that knights typically rescue princesses, not princes." She paused, a hint of wistfulness in her eyes. "But here you are, ready to protect your own Prince throughout your life, just as your father has protected me, his princess."
Anthony's expression softened with understanding, realizing the significance of his mother's words. He moved closer to Duchess Vivian, wrapping his arms around her shoulders in a heartfelt embrace. "Thank you, Mother, and Father, for everything you two have taught me to prepare for this next chapter, Mama," he murmured.
Moved by the moment, Duchess Vivian hugged her son tightly, she blinked back happy tears, pride, nostalgia, and the joy that she is feeling right now of seeing her son stepping into his future. "You'll do splendidly, Anthony. Always remember, we're here for you, no matter what." She planted a tender kiss on Anthony's cheek as Duke Edward did the same, feeling an overwhelming surge of pride for the remarkable man he had become.
The Duke and Duchess exchanged a tender look, a silent understanding passing between them. Duke Edward extended his right hand, which Duchess Vivian gently accepted, clasping their hand together. They walk hand in hand, preparing to leave Anthony's suite, a glance passed between them, laden with a depth of shared memories and emotions. Their hands intertwined, and they walked towards the door together.
Duke Edward reached for the door handle, pulling it open for himself and his wife. Just as they were about to step out, Anthony's voice stopped them in their tracks.
"Wait," Anthony called out softly, turning his parents' attention back to him.
In that fleeting moment, as Duke Edward and Duchess Vivian turned to face their son, a wave of emotions washed over them. Their son appeared to them not as the Captain of the Disney Guard, not as the man about to embark on a lifelong journey with his beloved, but instead seeing the man they had raised, in their eyes, they beheld a vision of their little redheaded boy — Anthony as he was many years ago, and Max, their beloved canine companion in his puppy form who is laying at the foot of his bed. The room around them seemed to fade away as this poignant image took hold.
"I love you," the younger versions of Anthony spoke simultaneously, their voices resonating with warmth and affection.
Moved by the reminiscent sight and words, Duke Edward, with tears brimming in his eyes, looked at his son and spoke in a heartfelt tone, "We love you too, Anthony."
Duchess Vivian, her voice carrying a blend of happiness and affection, added, "So… so much."
As they walked out of the room and with a final loving glance, Duke Edward closed the door gently behind them, leaving Anthony to his peaceful night's rest before the monumental day that awaited him.
The echoes of those heartfelt expressions lingered in two rooms, leaving behind a sense of profound love and connection that transcended time. The memory of their grown-up son awaiting the beautiful tomorrow that would mark the start of a new chapter in their life.
Sometimes both parents wish that they could freeze the picture and save it from the funny tricks of time.
Slipping through their fingers, all the time.
Wow, that chapter was a rollercoaster of emotions, wasn't it? From the rehearsal, to the wedding shower, and to the heartfelt moments between the parents and their sons, it was an emotional journey. We witnessed Silver and Anthony's parents reminisce about their boys growing up and then got to see them share some incredible moments just before the big day. There was this blend of nostalgia, pride, and a little bit of humor sprinkled in. It was all about love and transitioning into a new phase of life, wrapped in those heart-tugging moments.
The chapter was about those last tender moments before a big step. It's like capturing that breath right before you take the plunge, where you're simultaneously nervous, excited, and filled with emotions. The characters experienced that mix of joy and sadness, reminiscing about the past while getting ready to embrace the future. It was all about family bonds, growing up, and stepping into a new beginning while treasuring the memories that brought them to this point.
Next Chapter: An unexpected visitor made a surprise visit to Anthony's suite in the early morning of the wedding.